U Sports Diamond Warriors shine at Slowpitch Softball Carnival

Contributed by NTUC U Sports

Kallang Diamond, September 12-13, 2009 – U Sports Diamond Warriors had a smashing time at the 4th SBSA Slowpitch Carnival at Kallang Diamond over the weekend. They swept all before them in the Recreational category round-robin in their debut appearance in the carnival before succumbing to AMK United in the final 7-2. (SBSA denotes Singapore Softball & Baseball Association)

AMK United, inspired by their star pitcher, were in hot-form as nerves and fielding errors allowed them to storm to a 5-0 lead in the first inning. After the early setback, the Warriors improved their batting and fielding with every subsequent inning.

Their efforts eventually paid off when skipper Sulaiman Ismail led by example by scoring their first run in the fourth inning. Despite another encouraging run earned by Mark Tay, the big gain by AMK United in the first inning made the difference as they held on to win. Fadhil Hamid provided some cheer for the team when he won the Best Slugger award in the category for the whole Carnival.

The team's achievements were commendable as they only had a few training sessions prior to the event and their performances belied their rustiness and inexperience. At the initiative of U Sports and its team manager Janet Ng, the Warriors were established less than a month ago and comprised of members from different sporting and work backgrounds. While some are picking up their bats and gloves again after their previous playing experience in school, others are newcomers to the sport.

The team captain was pleased how the team performed and improved their game at the carnival. "To play five games in two days is very challenging for us physically and mentally," said Sulaiman.

"But it was an excellent team performance in all the games and I am happy that the players tried their best and enjoyed themselves. The carnival has given us the opportunity to bond as a team and do our part to promote local softball."

Emmeline Yip, a softball rookie, attributes to her more experienced teammates for their guidance in helping her game and fostering a strong camaraderie in the team.

"I initially joined just to try out, but I am happy to see my game improving after each training session," she said.

"The seniors helped by explaining the finer points of the sport and guiding along in every game, such as where to run and throw in defense and offense. The team spirit is good and we are having fun and enjoying the sport. Hopefully, we can keep on learning and gaining more experience over time."

Even the winning team manager Kawai Hirofumi was impressed by the Warriors determined display.

"U Sports Diamond Warriors are a very young and good team," he remarked. "They have very good players who look forward to playing and enjoying the game naturally. They will go very far if they keep up the good work."

Ng is very encouraged by the team's showing in their maiden campaign and sees better things ahead for the team.

"They are simply terrific," beamed the former national softball player. "In my 20 years of experience in this sport, I have never seen a team as passionate about the game as them. I did not hope very much at first but I am very happy they have overcome many challenges to finish well.”

“Now that we have played this carnival, we hope to have more friendly matches and organise as many activities and trainings to keep this going."

The team manager and coaches unanimously gave individual awards for the U Sports Softball Interest Group 2009 for their exceptional performance in the Carnival applauding the following players:-

Best Batter – Mohamed Fadhil Bin Hamid (SISEU)
Best Fielder – Derrick Soh (NCSU)
Most Valuable Player – Mark Teh Kian Siong (SISEU)
Most Improved Player – Emmeline Yip Jia Hui (NCSU)

For more information on Softball Interest Group, go to www.ntucclub.com/Usports or email us at info@usports.com.sg